Description

CPU

Our CPU of choice is the Intel Pentium Gold G5400. While it features only two cores, the G5400 also employs hyperthreading to help close the gap between it and a 4-core i3. Hyperthreading adds an additional logical core for each physical core, which is handy for streaming, video editing, and multi-tasking CPU-intensive tasks. The G5400 includes a stock cooler, so a 3rd-party cooler isn't necessary.

Motherboard

We're using a parametric filter to constantly select the best-priced motherboard while meeting selected criteria. In this case, we are filtering for B360 chipsets and 4 DDR4 DIMM slots for future expansion. The compatibility engine will filter out anything not compatible with the build. The motherboards are also capable of using the CPU's integrated GPU, in case you need to RMA your GPU or are waiting for a sale or upgrade.

Memory

A parametric filter is being applied to choose the best priced 2x4GB kit of memory within Intel's recommended specifications. With this selection, we have space on the motherboards for 2 more sticks of RAM, leaving room for future expansion.

Storage

We're using a parametric filter to select the best-priced 2TB mechanical drive. Unfortunately, with the rising cost of NAND, we've had to cut out the SSD in order to keep this build more budget-friendly. Everyone's needs are different, so feel free to increase capacities or add an SSD to fit yours.

GPU

We have set a parametric filter for the best-priced GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, which will let you play any popular game available today, including Fortnite and PUBG.

Case

The Deepcool TESSERACT is a mid tower case that can fit all of our components. It offers decent cable management, which can sometimes be a problem at our budget, and there's room to expand with hard drives or a solid state drive. It also has 1 USB 2.0 and 1 USB 3.0 port on the front panel. Cases tend to be highly personal choices, so make sure you browse our listed cases to see what suits you.

PSU

For the PSU, we're using a parametric selection of a few well-reviewed semi-modular and modular units, which are all rated for good power efficiency and can provide plenty of power for this build.

I have an equivalent build to this. G4560, RX 570, 8gb of Ram. When fighting world bosses in BFA with large raid groups I do get pretty severe frame drops on High-Ultra graphics settings.

I haven't done any indoor Raids to compare but I have had a very smooth experience otherwise. I usually have a chrome window, and discord running on my second screen. When I'm on call I'll usually also have an RDP session to my work computer in the background as well.

In short, this computer is generally just fine for WOW and things way more demanding than WOW. But if you do a lot of Raiding you may have to lower settings or tweak things have a smooth experience.

Yes, but the vast majority of people won't be upgrading until a later generation anyway. It's not worth telling everyone to spend 60-75% more on the motherboard on the off chance a couple people upgrade specifically to a K processor.

Even the few who do upgrade the same generation will still find a non-K processor a plenty worthwhile upgrade. K processors aren't necessarily the better buy for the money.

A Ryzen 2200g and a B450 board would be a better option if you want upgrade paths in the future. The B450 board can overclock, the 2200g performs better than the Pentium, and AMD have promised to support the AM4 socket with new cpus until 2020.

Beware, the Pentium lacks AVX and the new Assassin's Creed game requires AVX.

(though there are reports that the game doesn't actually utilize AVX and instead is just using using a black/whitelist to identify your CPU model when launching the game as people have supposedly ran the game without issues it on the likes of an i5-2500k with AVX disabled in the BIOS)

If your worried you can go with the i3 8100 which pairs really nicely with a gtx 1050ti
and here are benchmarks with the Pentium G4560 with the 1050 ti which is like the younger brother
of the g5400 so you can add like 5 fps

Definitely. I’ve been playing Csgo for a long time now and would never recommend only going for 60fps. I try to at least have a solid 150+. I believe you can feel the difference between 150 and 80 without a 144hz.

Quick disclaimer: I have zero knowledge about PC building whatsoever. I'd like to make this build as my first gaming pc, since I'm currently gaming on a Lenovo Ideapad G50-80, which is inadequate to say the least. One of the games I'd like to be able to play (Dead by Daylight) has the Intel Core i3 4170 as the minimum and recommended Intel processor, according to geforce.com. Is the processor in the build good enough?

I'd also like to know whether it's even possible to assemble a PC without much know-how, and what other items I would need to assemble the PC. I've read online that I need a grounding strap and thermal compound. I assume I'm going to need the strap, but is the thermal compound also necessary in this build, and if so, where do I put it?

Here's a really good video for step by step building of a pc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhX0fOUYd8Q
It's super easy. It's like building legos, only more expensive. If you can do that, you can build a PC.
You should be easily able to run dead by daylight with this setup.
You shouldn't need a grounding strap, unless you're building your pc on carpet or you're really paranoid. If you have a large wooden dining table or something, that should be more than adequate.
If you're not buying an aftermarket cooler, (there's not one on this list) then you don't need thermal compound, as the stock cooler has it already applied. However, you may want it for the future if you upgrade, and it's really not all that expensive. It goes in between your cpu and the cooler.

Thermal compound is basically a paste that increases heat transfer from the CPU top to cooler bottom. I think most aftermarket coolers include enough in a plastic bag/roll, but if you want, you can buy a tube of good thermal paste for <$10. Grounding strap isn't really needed, but if you plan on building your PC in somewhere with carpet flooring it's recommended to get one. You can go on Youtube and just search up videos about the grounding strap for more info. I have no idea about the Core i3, hopefully someone else can help you with that. That's about it, I haven't actually built a PC yet, but I helped a few friends out with their builds, so my knowledge is sub-par. That's about it.

The processor should be fine but I would recommend researching a better CPU + motherboard combo (using PCpartpicker's compatibility filter) to see if anything is in your price range. For example, what I normally do is type "Pentium Gold G5400 vs Ryzen 3 2200 G" into Google and the first link will normally show you a run down of performance for each CPU side by side. Then I would take the better CPU and match it up with a motherboard on here.

Thermal compound is generally only needed if you're changing the existing cooler on a processor. Most, if not all, stock CPUs will come with a manufacturer cooler that has thermal paste pre-applied in a nice little CPU sized square.

The thermal compound will go on the top side of the CPU before the cooler is put on. Usually, the thermal paste will come with the CPU, but just to be sure you can spend an extra $5-$10 on some thermal paste.

CPU cooler comes with CPU for free, and thermal compound is pre applied.
Do not buy the G5400, buy a Ryzen 3 or i3 (I would reccomend Ryzen, 30 bucks cheap, same 4 core) for extra 2 cores over the G5400. But, the G5400 beats the i3-4170.

As for assembling a pc, watch the youtube videos. If youre 10 years or more old you should be able to understand 100%.

The grounding strap is extra, but accidents happen, so its up to you.

You put the CPU cooler over the CPU which means compound goes over the CPU. Just watch videos and do research.

Mostly. Look up some videos on how to assemble everything - all the hardware is included in this build EXCEPT FOR AN INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL DVD DRIVE (most people will need this to install an operating system from a disk or ripping CDs etc.). The power supply comes with all the cables you'll need and the motherboard will come with the data cables you require. You'll also need some medium for installing an operating system, whether this is a Windows 7/8/10 disk or a high capacity USB with the boot image on it (again, watch videos on how to do this - the USB has to be formatted in a particular way). Seems this case comes with 2 fans pre-installed which will be fine for this build. More complex/higher power consumption builds require better airflow through the case. Good luck!

Also, I would recommend upgrading the CPU + motherboard if you can spare any extra cash. This CPU is good enough for some entry level gaming but will struggle in other areas. Use PCpartpicker's compatibility filter (makes sure that the CPU fits in the motherboard socket) to see what combinations are available in your price range.

If you have a USB that meets the storage requirements (at least 5GB) you can easily download Windows 10 from Microsoft using Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and it will set up a bootable installation USB for you. And here is Microsoft's instructions for doing so. This is completely free to do and gives you essentially a 99% full version that you can buy a license for at a latter time.

But to answer your question you can get a preinstalled USB with license from Microsoft for 139.00. Just select USB from the options. There are much cheaper legitimate options; for instance Best Buy has the DVD/license for 99.00. Just be sure to search around a bit before buying.

No DVD drive included. You would need to buy it. The case has two places for it to go as the top slot is partially blocked by the front panel cables. This is assuming you want an internal drive, however, external drives connect via USB if you'd prefer not having to install it.

Yes. With these parts you will have a fully functioning PC. However you will need an operating system like Windows 10 for instance. Of course a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

This video from YouTube was really helpful for me when building my computer. He goes into detail with the first time builder in mind as he builds his own. I found it extremely informative and simple to understand.

in most cases amd ryzen is the best option!when using the amd ryzen 3,5,6,7 and even thread ripper(if you can afford it) it is cheaper and better in some cases.if you wanna go with intel for cpu then its your choice to miss out.

Here's what I would go with. You would save a couple bucks, and get a nice ssd to go with it. That pentium you used is extremely overpriced bc you'll get basically the same power for 10 bucks lesswith the one I included.
https://pcpartpicker.com/list/dpmV29

With all the latest security implications in regards to Intel's HT implementation, it would be seriously good to consider a different CPU and just getting an i3-8100 instead of the Pentium Gold G5400.

The i3-8100 is a true quad core rather than a dual core with hyper-threading, considering Intel's hyper-threading is only about as good as 40% of a real core under the best conditions, having two extra real cores will be a significant performance increase and will also make the system less susceptible to the latest vulnerabilities that specifically target Intel's HT implementation.

While more expensive than the G5400, the i3-8100 should be given serious consideration given the mitigation of the vulnerability by choosing a chip without hyper-threading combined with the enhanced performance of a true quad core would be a good basic start to any entry-level gaming system

My guess is that at the time of composing the part list it was a good choice as it looks decent, houses all the components well- with room for expansion, and was only $36. Now, with the current price, there are much better options.

It does not. It has onboard ethernet 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps. To have WiFi capabilities you would either need to get, for instance, a PCI express network adapter that supports WiFi for an internal solution or get a USB WiFi adapter for going external. I decided on the latter since I can use it quickly on other PCs and it is really cheap. $10-$20.

Great build it reminds me of my first build. My first build was about ~580 USD and was rocking a pentium 3258, 8gb ram, and a r9 270 (which was a little more powerful than a 750ti for a few bucks more). Great build I hope it lasts a long time.

Fan and cooler are included with the CPU. They will be sufficient for this build. If in doubt you could get an after market cooler for $20-30 but it isnt necessary for adequate cooling. This build is purposely trying to stretch out every dollar.

I am a 14 year old wanting to build my first pc. I am selling many things like a mouse, my ipad, and my ps4. I want a pc so bad but do not know how much to spend. I want to run games like rainbow six, fortnite, csgo and other fps games at medium to high settings under $700

You will be able to play rainbow six and all the other games you listed, with rainbow six being the most demanding you can get like 80 fps on ultra https://youtu.be/Pk7dX6griwM there's a video so you can see bench marks with a processor closely related to the g5400

Nice build, will certainly accomplish the task, up vote. RX 570s would be a consideration at this price, also concerned with the mini cooler, would suggest reallocating money on a modular/semi modular PSU for a superior GPU if possible. Stretching for a 240-256GB SSD might've been nice too.

I followed this build and I'm having an issue, it is not loading the BIOS screen but instead pulsing power to the internal LEDs and all the fans. I noticed the memory changed from GeIL EVO POTENZA 8GB (2 x 4GB) to G.Skill - NT Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory, to my knowledge that shouldn't matter both are compatible. Also I got a 450w psu not the 550w psu in the build. Does anyone have any ideas on how to trouble shoot this issue?

First off intel is just not worth it at this price point. Go with ryzen. Also semi modular or modular psus are not needed. The case is not worth the price anymore. What i would do is get a cheap ssd for your os then later get an hdd. With all these price cuts u can fit in a rx 570

One can download Windows 10 officially from Microsoft for free and create a bootable USB or DVD. It is an unactivated installation and is up to the user to purchase a license key and register it to unlock all features.

could this run elgato hd60 with its editing program and heavily modded Minecraft (crazycraft 3, sevtech, etc.) at the same time? I might want to play fortnite too. I am just learning about computers (:

I like this build. But in my opinion, you should pay a little more for a 1060 3GB. It out performs the 1050Ti by up to 30 frames in some games, and is better for starting gamers. Also, a DIYPC P48-W would look a lot better for a lot less. The final thing you should do is go single stick, but better ram. I would reccomend the G-Skill Aegis. This totals out to be $525.71 but it is a little better quaility. Link is here: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/sPGWyX

Also https://pcpartpicker.com/list/W6DHr6 is maybe even better build for less. But it is amd if you dont mind. This pc can run fortnite maxed out easily at 60 fps probably a lot more. Amd also has a way better stock cooler so i would definitely get this build if I were you

So if you are wondering the corrections I made here they are. Amds ryzen 2600 is way better value and gives the same performance. You also get a better cooler w
with the ability to overclock. Your motherboard is too expensive and is kind of a waste of money. You also dont need thermal paste its preapplied on the cooler. Also i added cheaper ram because you were wasting 30 dollars on ram that performs the same. For storage YOU NEED AN SSD it will just make your whole pc run smoother. The rx580 8gb out performs the 1060 6gb and will let you run the new blackout. The case i changed because I personally like the one i chose better but its up to you. And lastly you dont need to spend 80 dollars on a power supply. 45 will get you a perfect power supply. Sorry if this is too long.

Please no need to say sorry for the long text! I'm VERY appreciative that you took the time to help me out and explain everything to me! I will be going with the amd build you suggested! I'm super excited now thank you so much!

Quick heads up, I am completely new to this and barely know anything about about building a pc.

I was wondering if this pc could run games like r6s, csgo, fortnite and possibly bo4 with decent fps? Also, would putting a core i5 and a GTX 1060 into this help improve it at all?
Thanks and if you have any other recommendations that can help, they would be greatly appreciated.

Would it be possible for you to stick to components for which there is ppcpartpicker pricing available in the US and the UK, especially when publishing on uk.pcpartpicker.com. As it stands today this build does not have a price for the TESSERACT case or the Pentium Gold, which rather misleadingly suggests this build can be had for £375.

The DeepCool Tesseract SW-RD (same case in Red) is available from at least one of your UK suppliers for £34.99, and the processor is very hard to find and not much cheeper than the i3-8100 available for £107.99. So the real UK price would be more like £518 ($628)

As an initial hack, perhaps you show no overall price if you do not have all the parts

if any of you guys can, could one of you find some solutions to make this thing so good that i can have several windows open while playing fortnite to the highest quality. it would make my day if you had the price range around 500 to 800 dollars

Yes it works but i really recommend ssd it will just make your whole pc smoother. Like just get a cheap 120 gb ssd and put windows 10 on it and a game or two. All extra stuff on the hdd. Also 50 dollars for that case is not worth it for me but if you want that case go ahead and get it. The cooler master case is way better imo. Also you are on old hardware but the build should work well on fortnite but my build i made is more future proof and has better upgradeabiliry.

If i wanted to run vrchat, would this build work? and if so (i'm new to pc building) does anyone know where i could find a video showing me how to put all this stuff together. Like a very in depth video?

I have three questions.
1. What thermal paste would be recommended to use on this?
2. Does the case come with a CPU Cooler? If not what one should I get
3. Does is there any parts I should add that don't raise the price too much?

if the processor would be changed this system would be fine, for lighter titles, 2 hyperthreaded cores are fine, just in modern open world games like pubg, gta 5, and battlefield 1 and V, you can experience frequent hickups, especially in pubg and it can cause the game to be unplayable in the early game, going with a i3-8100 or a ryzen 3 would work just fine for any game, and the used market also exists!

That motherboard leaves no room to add additional RAM to the 2x4GB in place, the storage section of the write-up already addresses your concerns, and your part list costs more.

Every dollar counts for this guide.

Your build is still a viable part list, but I'd say it's a far cry from being objectively better at achieving the goal of this guide, which is to save as much money as possible while still achieving a reasonable/enjoyable gaming experience.

Sale of software and keys from that site often violates the ToS or are resold licenses purchased via fraudulent credit card. Recommending, suggesting, advising, encouraging, hinting, or in any way implying these keys as a solution or option is not allowed on this site.

Here’s what I’d do. Download windows onto your computer with a usb stick. You’ll have a free trial for a month. Until then just save to get a legit key, or get it off another win10 system you may have.